In Chiapas, Carnival is essentially a pre-Columbian fiesta held during the Uayab, the five "lost" days at the end of the Maya calendar when the world is turned upside down. Led by the Mash (monkeys), this raucous religious celebration recapitulates the Maya creation story-with brass bands and clowns thrown in. The Festival of Games, as it is called in Chamula, features mock battles and wild bulls and ends with a dramatic firewalk representing cosmic renewal. (Chamula is the only Maya community that still celebrates this ancient rite.) It's all music and mayhem, combined with sacred observances, designed to usher in the Maya New Year.
As an added bonus, this tour will include an exciting day in Ocosocuatla, a town seldom visited by foreign travelers. For the Zoque people living there, the days leading up to Lent are a chance for pure, unbridled fun. Anyone interested in an intimate view of a living culture will want to participate in Carnival.

The guides for this tour will be anthropological author Carol Karasik and Maya textile and culture expert Chip Morris. Both are eminent scholars in the fields of ancient and modern Maya cultural studies.

Carnival in the Highlands of Chiapas
Price	$2100 per person (based on double occupant lodging. Add $300 for a private single room.) $300 deposit due upon registration, balance due 30 days before the trip
Date	February 19-26, 2009
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Feb 19, Thursday: Arrival Arrive in the evening to the new Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport in Chiapa de Corzo. Private transport will meet you and drive you into Chiapa de Corzo where you will check in at the Hotel La Ceiba
	Feb 20, Friday: Ocozocuatla Morning: Carnival festivities in a traditional Zoque town Afternoon: Transport to San Cristobal de las Casas Evening: Free time in San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Feb 21, Saturday: Chamula and Zinacantan Morning: Visits to the church, shrines of religious officials, the sacred cave, and weavers' houses in Chamula Afternoon: Visiting weavers in Zinacantan Evening: Free time in San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Feb 22, Sunday: Tenejapa Morning: Visit to the Maya village of Tenejapa Afternoon: Walking tour of San Cristobal churches Evening: Free time in San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Feb 23, Monday: Tenam Puente and Amantenango Morning: Transport to and exploring the ruins of Tenam Puente Afternoon: Visit to Amatenango pottery village Evening: Free time in San Crisotbal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Feb 24, Tuesday: Chamula Firewalk Morning: Firewalk ceremony at the main church of Chamula Afternoon: Visit to Na Bolom Evening: Free time in San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Feb 25, Wednesday: Chiapa de Corzo Morning: Boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon Afternoon: Visit to the lacquer museum Evening: A farewell dinner with MEC's staff Overnight in Chiapa de Corzo
Feb 26, Thursday: Departure Morning: Departures from the Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport in Chiapa de Corzo

Includes:
- Lodging at Hotel La Ceiba in Chiapa de Corzo
- Lodging at Hotel Rincon de Los Arcos in San Cristobal
- Private transportation
- Breakfast and lunches
- Anthropologist guides
- All entry fees
- Final Dinner

Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from Mexico
- Dinners
- Gratuities (maids, drivers, guides, etc..)
- Travel insurance

Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.